The world's largest garden yields an abundance of fruits and vegetables, some easily recognized, others, a new experience! A mystery herb appeared in our box of organic vegetables this week. What in the world is stevia?

Not often in this life do we get to experience perfection—and to know at the time that we are. Recently, I had an absolutely, unabashedly, undeniably perfect evening, complete with family, friends, fabulous food, good wine and an impeccable setting.

When my former boss suggested we photograph my annual summer solstice party, I quietly panicked and then got busy. Borrow some of our ideas for celebrating the longest day of the year--lavishly or lazily.

No party is complete without cake, and this delicious Sunshine Cake has been the crowning glory of every Summer Solstice party I’ve ever thrown. Sharon Kebschull Barrett, one of my favorite herbal chefs, developed this recipe for her 1999 book Desserts from an Herb Garden (one of my bibles). Lemony, with a surprising hint of rosemary, this cake just tastes like summer—and the bright yellow color celebrates the sun.

Sweet Iced Tea is a delicious Southern tradition, but store-bought concoctions are often full of high fructose corn syrup and other nasties. This recipe incorporates fresh herbs, which add natural sweetness and help knock down the sugar content.

Going meatless is a breeze when corn is at its late-summer best and the garden is bursting with squashes. Southwestern calabacitas is a delicious, hearty summer stew that makes the most of this bountiful season.

A Thanksgiving turkey is a staple for most families. But if you don’t eat meat and want some more substance besides starchy side dishes, prepare these delicious vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes this year.

As summer dwindles down to a close, you may be left standing in your garden or kitchen thinking "Now what?" Preserve herbs with our expert tips: dry, freeze, pickle and pack them to continue enjoying your favorite herbs well into the winter.

Peruse our articles about healthy living from the July/August 2013 issue. In this issue we teach you how to enjoy your bountiful garden harvest all year; give you product recommendations to create a healthier, simpler, more self-sufficient home; show you simple solutions for quick breakfasts; discuss the basics of simple and affordable DIY body-care products; and much more!

Last week The Herb Companion published two reader recipes after a reader callout for delicious lavender muffin recipes on our Facebook fan page. The following recipes include Luscious Lavender Muffins and Agave Lavender Muffins.

Does the huge task of cleaning windows leave you feeling overwhelmed? Follow these six simple steps—using inexpensive materials you already have around the house—to get your windows sparkling and streak-free.

Yesterday, The Herb Companion asked its readers for delicious lavender muffin recipes. Your submissions have made us ecstatic. The following recipes include White Chocolate and Lavender Muffins, and Lavender-Lemon Blueberry Muffins.

Lemon Verbena Lady has many herbal favorites in the herb garden. The sages were particularly beautiful this season. See some of her favorite salvias and try a recipe for your holiday dinners using the sage that is popular for Thanksgiving.

The health benefits of whole tart cherries are widely documented – improving sleep, fighting off infection and slowing the aging process. Now there’s a cherry juice not from concentrate – read about CherryPharm and its benefits…

To celebrate the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo I'm throwing a party featuring some of the special Mexican herbs growing in my garden. Try these four unusual recipes: Black Bean Salsa with Cilantro, Papadzules, Minto Mojitos and Chocolate Banana Burritos!

As recently discussed on The Dr. Oz Show, watercress is high in iodine and rich in many essential vitamins and nutrients. Eat several servings a week to boost skin health, promote healthy thyroid function and help prevent cancer.

The winter weather is putting a damper on my mood. Last night, in a desperate attempt to lighten things up, I cooked up Orecchiette with Goat Cheese, Peas and Mint, a quick pasta dish that celebrates spring.

If it is one thing we can all agree on, it is that having clear, glowing skin is the most important factor to your appearance. Clear skin boosts one’s self-esteem, self-confidence, and certainly makes us all feel good! Learn more about how to obtain clear skin.

Happy May 5th. What are you doing to celebrate? If you’re like me, then today is the day to whip up your favorite tacos, snack on sensational salsa and, most importantly, mix yourself some margaritas. This year, why not try the stevia-sweetened mix Sinless Margarita.

Herbal syrups are a wonderful vehicle for immune-boosting, antiviral and antibiotic herbs for use any time of year. Use this simple method to make a powerful tool in the fight against biological baddies.

My favorite fast food during the hectic holidays? Bread and soup. In the time it would take to get drive-thru on the way home, you'll be sitting down to a bowl of bliss that will warm your heart and soul.

Cleaning floors can be a bummer. Brighten up with our two recipes for clean floor success. Learn how to turn old towels into eco-friendly cloth towels for your Swiffer and try our homemade floor cleaner recipe.

Scottish oatcakes are delicious and crispy crackers that taste wonderful with jam. If you’re looking for a gluten-free take on this traditional treat, check out the following recipe courtesy Bob’s Red Mill.

Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, but it's one that many of us fill with sugars and empty carbs. Start the day off right with this recipe for healthy blueberry bran muffins, courtesy of Driscoll's.

Spring is the perfect time to wild craft gently soothing vulnerary herbs, such as plantain and violet leaf, to make healing oils and salves. Learn more about these wonderful springtime botanicals with useful recipes for infused oils and medicinal salves.

No one will miss the meat when you serve up fabulous vegetarian versions of Thanksgiving favorites. Try two versions of mushroom stuffing, mushroom gravy or delicious roasted Brussels sprouts this holiday!

Here we go back in time to see beliefs and folk uses surrounding Stinging Nettle, how it is most commonly utilized by herb lovers today, along with flower essence information, my own personal favorite uses for this stinging European native, and references for further information.

I love skin care products that have multiple uses. Not only do they stretch your savings, but they offer skin care customization. This multipurpose skin care tea treats nearly all skin types and tastes delicious, too.

Want to be sure about what you're putting on your skin and hair? Save a little money and have a little fun mixing up these DIY beauty treatments. These natural home beauty remedies are made from basic household and kitchen ingredients!

Colorful Harvest is a specialty produce company out of California and have developed a delicious new corn, Ruby Jewel Sweet Red Corn. Guest blogger Ramona Werst created a risotto recipe using 'Spicy Globe' basil and Ruby Jewel Sweet Red Corn. You can replace the corn with a sweet corn and it will be a tasty dish.

December 25th is right around the corner. If you’re looking for a last-minute gift this holiday season, make these Relaxing Sage and Lavender Bath Salts. This homemade gift is budget-friendly, is quick and easy to make and speaks from the heart.

A National Restaurant Association survey found that serving more local food tops chefs expected trends for 2012! Keep you home diet seasonal and local, too, with this vegetarian recipe featuring winter vegetables.

Lemon Verbena Lady finishes her other holiday-inspired craft, mini spice wreaths. This DIY project is a perfect way to use up those extra holiday spices you may have in your pantry. This project is quick, easy and will fill your house with the aroma of holiday classics.

The Lemon Verbena Lady goes back to her tried-and-true favorite, lemon verbena, and makes sure to stay prepared for the upcoming fall and winter season. She offers ways to preserve that wonderful lemony flavor so that you can savor it all fall and winter long.

The Lemon Verbena Lady has been enjoying the 2012 Herb of the Year, the rose, in her garden. In this post, she shares her five favorite roses and instructions for how to make a delectable Rose Petal Jam.

Welcome to Mother Earth Living, the authority on green lifestyle and design. Each issue of Mother Earth Living features advice to create naturally healthy and nontoxic homes for yourself and your loved ones. With Mother Earth Living by your side, you’ll discover all the best and latest information you want on choosing natural remedies and practicing preventive medicine; cooking with a nutritious and whole-food focus; creating a nontoxic home; and gardening for food, wellness and enjoyment. Subscribe to Mother Earth Living today to get inspired on the art of living wisely and living well.

Save Money & a Few Trees!

Pay now with a credit card and take advantage of our earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. You’ll save an additional $5 and get six issues of Mother Earth Living for just $14.95! (Offer valid only in the U.S.)